“Royal Court Experience” theme announced for the return of GBLA’s marquee event. 

Baltimore, MD — May 24, 2026 — The Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA), the young professionals auxiliary of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, proudly announces the return of its signature Masquerade Ball on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Elevated Event Center. 

Originally established by GBLA as one of Baltimore’s premier masquerade experiences for young professionals, the event returns this year under the theme Royal Court Experience after several years of alternative large-scale social events. The Masquerade Ball is designed to bring together emerging leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals for an elevated evening centered on culture, elegance, networking, and community impact. 

Planned by Cocofete Events, the event will serve as both a luxury social experience and a fundraising initiative supporting the mission of the Greater Baltimore Urban League and GBLA’s ongoing leadership and community programming efforts. 

“The return of the Masquerade Ball represents more than just bringing back an event — it represents legacy, culture, and community,” said Coby Smith, President of GBLA and Board Member of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. “We’re excited to reintroduce one of our marquee experiences in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and reflective of the excellence within Baltimore’s young professional community.” 

“We wanted the Royal Court Experience to feel timeless, elegant, and immersive from the very beginning,” said Nicole Campbell, owner of Cocofete Events, GBLA Special Events Chair and lead planner for the event. “This event is about creating an unforgettable atmosphere where people can celebrate culture, connection, and Black excellence in a truly elevated way.” 

“The Greater Baltimore Urban League is proud to support opportunities that bring together young professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders while also investing back into our communities,” said Tershea Rice, Interim CEO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League. “Events like the GBLA Masquerade Ball not only celebrate excellence and culture, but also help advance the important work being done throughout Greater Baltimore to create opportunity, strengthen leadership, and empower the next generation.” 

Proceeds from the event will support initiatives focused on economic mobility, leadership development, workforce development, youth engagement, and community empowerment throughout Greater Baltimore. 

Presale tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available. For event information, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket access, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/masquerade-ball-tickets-1989154078395?aff=oddtdtcreator 

About The Greater Baltimore Leadership Association 

The Greater Baltimore Leadership Association (GBLA) is the young professional's auxiliary of the Greater Baltimore Urban League, engaging professionals ages 21–40 in leadership development, community service, and economic empowerment. Over the past decade, GBLA has hosted dozens of programs annually, raised tens of thousands of dollars for community initiatives, supported Black entrepreneurs, and earned national recognition for leadership and community impact. 

About The Greater Baltimore Urban League  

The Greater Baltimore Urban League is a historic civil rights and community empowerment organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility and opportunity throughout Maryland. As an affiliate of the National Urban League, GBUL works to create lasting impact through workforce development, youth leadership, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, education, housing, advocacy, and community-centered programming designed to strengthen individuals, families, and communities across the Baltimore region.